NCR workers to earn P35 more starting July 17

Workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) will earn at least P35 more starting July 17.

In an order approved on June 27 and released on July 1, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) increased the minimum daily wage of non-agricultural workers to P645.

Those in the agriculture and service/retail business with 15 workers and below will earn P608 from P573.

As for manufacturing establishments with less than 10 employees, minimum daily wage is at P608.

The last minimum wage increase in NCR was P40 in 2023.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the increase was based on the various wage determination criteria provided under Republic Act No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act.

The three petitions filed by various labor groups seeking an increase in the daily minimum wage due to escalating prices of basic goods and commodities were also considered.

The new rates translated to 5.7% increase of the daily minimum wages in the capital to date.

DOLE said the new rates remain above the latest regional poverty threshold for a family of five.

"These likewise result in a comparable 5% increase in wage-related benefits covering 13th month pay, service incentive leave, and social security benefits,” it said.

The agency noted that some 988,000 minimum wage earners in the capital will be affected by the hike. About 1.7 million full-time wage and salary workers earning above minimum wage “may also indirectly benefit as a result of upward adjustments at the enterprise level arising from the correction of wage distortion."

Retail and service establishments with less than 10 regular workers and businesses affected by natural calamities or disasters may apply for exemption from the wage hike.

Barangay micro business enterprises, meanwhile, aren't covered.